Extraction sites require special care and attention over the next few days. Please follow the instructions below. Contact us with questions or if unusual symptoms develop.
Children may be irritable after treatment. If this occurs, stay with your child and provide a calm environment.
Numbness: The mouth will be numb approximately two to four hours. Watch to see that your kiddo does not bite, scratch, or injure the cheek, lips, or tongue during this time.
Bleeding: was controlled before we discharged your child, but some occasional oozing (pink or blood-tinged saliva) may occur. Hold gauze with firm pressure against the surgical site until oozing has stopped.
Surgical Site Care: Today, do not disturb the surgical site. Do not stretch the lips or cheeks to look at the area. Do not rinse vigorously, use mouthwash, or probe the area. Beginning tomorrow, you may rinse with warm salt water (1⁄2 teaspoon salt with one cup water) after meals.
Daily Activities: Today, avoid physical exercise and exertion. Return to normal activities as tolerated.
Diet: After all bleeding has stopped, the patient may drink cool non-carbonated liquids but should NOT USE A STRAW. Cold soft foods (e.g., ice cream, gelatin, pudding, yogurt) are ideal the first day. By the second day, consistency of foods can progress as tolerated. Until healing is more established, avoid foods such as nuts, sun flower seeds, and popcorn that may get lodged in the surgical areas.
Oral Hygiene: Keeping the mouth clean is essential. Today, teeth may be brushed and flossed gently. Please make every effort to clean the teeth within the bounds of comfort.
Pain: Because some discomfort is expected, you may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil ) before the numbness wears off. Follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing based upon your child’s age/weight. Do NOT give aspirin to your child as this may increase the chance of bleeding.
Watch for:
Swelling: Slight swelling and inflammation may occur for the next two days. If swelling occurs, ice packs may be used for the first 24 hours (10 minutes on then 10 minutes off) to decrease swelling and/or bruising. If swelling persists after 24 hours, warm/moist compresses (10 minutes on then 10 minutes off) may help. If swelling occurs after 48 hours, call our office.
Fever: A slight fever (temperature to 100.5°F) is not uncommon the first 48 hours after surgery. If a higher fever develops or the fever persists, call our office.
After hours, please contact Dr Libby on her cell phone at (480)221-8933
We consider caring for your child a privilege and we are thankful for your trust!
We Love 2 Love u.
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